Device for cutting body hairs growing in or adjacent body cavities



May 7, 1968 E. BROWN 3,381,373

DEVICE FOR CUTTING BODY HAIRS GROWING IN OR ADJACENT BODY CAVITIES FiledSept. 2. 1965 5 FIG.4

T? 4?: 2 fl p 43 I g I I I L5 53 52 49 47 INVENTOR. Ernesf Brown ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,381,373 DEVICE FOR CUTTING BODY HAIRSGRUWING IN OR ADJACENT BODY CAVH'HES Ernest Brown, 537 Colorado Ave.,Bridgeport, Conn. 66605 Filed Sept. 2, 1965, Ser. No. 484,708 1 Claim.(Cl. 30--29.5)

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention is directed to an electricallyoperated cutter or shaver which includes an elongated tubular housinghaving a stator tip connected to one end of the housing. The stator tipis provided with an opening formed in the tip end thereof and aplurality of hair inlet openings formed about the surface of the tip. Acutter is r0 tatably mounted within the stator tip and a drive meansincluding a motor is disposed in the housing and operatively connectedto the cutting means to effect relative rotation of the cutter meanswith respect to the stator to elfect a shearing action on any of thehairs which project through the hair inlet openings of the stator tip.Means are disposed within the housing between the cutter and the motorfor illuminating the area in which the shaver is operating. Means arealso included for rendering the cutter or shaver operable on either ACor DC current.

This invention relates in general to a cutting or shaving device forcutting or trimming body hairs growing in or about the cavities of thebody; and more specifically to an electric shaver or cutting device fortrimming or cutting body hairs growing in or around body cavities, asfor example the nose, ears, and other portions of the body.

Heretofore, extreme difficulties have been encountered in cutting,trimming, or removing unwanted hairs growing in or around body cavities,as for example ones nose and ears. Heretofore, such cavity hairs havebeen trimmed or cut with a scissor or other similar tool. Because themembranes within a body cavity are extremely delicate, extreme care hadto be exercised in order to prevent injury to these membranes. Becauseof the inherent operation of a scissor or other similar tool for cuttingsuch cavity hairs, it has been difficult, if not impossible, to cut thehair close to the root end thereof. Consequently, frequent trimmingoperations were required. The difiiculty in cutting such hairs close tothe root end is further aggravated when one attempts to cut the hairs inhis own nose or cars.

Another disadvantage which has been noted in trimming nasal hairs andother unwanted hair growing in and around body cavities is that ofsufficient lighting or illumination directed into or around the bodycavity when trimming with scissors. Because of the generalinaccessibility to such unwanted cavity hairs, and the lack ofillumination within such cavities, it has been heretofore most difiicultfor a person to trim or cut such unwanted hair himself. Consequently,more often than not such unwanted hair remained uncut or unremovedthereby adversely affecting ones grooming and/or good looks.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improvedelectric cutter or shaver which is particularly adapted for trimming orcutting unwanted body hairs growing in or around the various bodycavities, as for example the nose and ears.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved electricshaver for trimming unwanted body hairs in and around body cavitieswhich is absolutely safe, and which when operating illuminates the areaor cavity in which the shaver or cutter is operating.

3,381,373 Patented May 7, 1968 Another object of this invention is toprovide an electric shaver or cutter that is specifically constructedand arranged so as to be received in the various body cavities to effectthe cutting and/or removing of hairs growing therein with completesafety and without causing injury to the adjacent tender membranes.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved shaver orcutter for removing unwanted body hairs growing in and around bodycavities which can be efficiently and effectively operated by the personhimself.

Another object of this invention is to provide a shaver or cutter whichmay be also utilized for trimming or cutting hair growing on variousparts of the body.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electric hair cutteror shaver which is relatively simple in construction, inexpensive tomanufacture, and positive in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electric shaver orhair cutter which can operate with either AC or DC current.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained byan electrically operated cutter or shaver that comprises an elongatedtubular housing that includes a stator tip connected to one end of thehousing. The stator tip is provided with an opening formed in the tipend thereof, and a plurality of hair inlet openings formed about thesurface of the tip. A cutter means is moveably mounted within the statortip. A drive means comprising a motor is disposed with the housing andit is operatively connected to the cutting means to effect relativemovement of the cutter means with respect to the stator to effect ashearing action on any of the hairs which project through the hair inletopenings of the stator tip.

In accordance with this invention, means are disposed in the housing forilluminating the area in which the shaver is operating. Means are alsoprovided for rendering the shaver or cutter operable for either AC or DCcurrent operation. This is attained by connecting the motor of theshaver in circuit with a battery which is carried Within the housing ofthe device. Operatively connected in circuit with the battery is aresistor and rectifier which when connected to a source of householdcurrent will render the shaver operable on AC current and at the sametime effect a charge on the battery if such charge is required.

In one form of the invention, the cutter means is rotatably journalledwithin the stator tip end of the housing. In another form of theinvention, the cutter means is reciprocated relative to the stator toeffect the cutting action.

A feature of this invention resides in a shaver adapted for use inremoving or trimming body cavity hairs in which provision is made forilluminating the body cavity.

Another feature resides in an electric shaver having a circuitry inwhich the same may be powered by a battery carried within the housing ofthe shaver, or alternately by an. external source of AC power.

Other features and advantages of this; invention will become morereadily apparent when considered in view of the drawings andspecification in which:

FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional view of the shaver or cutter device inaccordance with this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a detail perspective view of the stator tip of the shaver ofFIG. 1.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective detail view illustrating the cutter assemblyand drive means utilized in the construction of the shaver of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a fragmentary showing of a modified form of theinvention having parts shown therein in cross-section.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 on FIG. 4.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown therein an electric shaver orcutting device It) for removing the unwanted hair growing in or aboutthe various body cavities, as for example ones nose and ears. While theinstant shaver or cutter is particularly described with application forthe removal of the unwanted hair on the human anatomy, the shaver orcutter 1% can also he sat isfactorily used for trimming the hairs of ananimal.

In the form of the invention disclosed in FIGS. 1 through 3, the shaveror hair cutting device 19 comprises a housing which includes anelongated tubular member or body 11 having a stator tip end 12. Thestator tip 12 is shaped so as to be received within a body cavity toremove the unwanted hair growing therein, as will be hereinafterdescribed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stator tip 12 is defined inthe form of a cone or bullet. With such a shape, the tip 12 may bereadily received within a body cavity, as for example the nostrils ofones nose or the outer canal of ones ear and the like.

The tip end of the stator is provided with an opening 13 therein. Also,the surface of the stator tip 12 is provided with a plurality of hairinlet openings 14. In the illustrated form of the invention, the hairinlet openings are defined as a plurality of longitudinally extendingslots that extend through the wall thickness of the stator tip. However,it will be understood that the hair inlet openings may assume anydesired shape or configuration. For example, in an alternateconstruction (not shown), the hair inlet openings may consist of aseries of perforations or round holes closely spaced on the surface ofthe stator tip.

The stator tip 12 may be either integrally formed or detachablyconnected to the body portion 11 of the housing. In the illustratedform, the stator tip 12 is detachably connected to the housing 11 bymeans of a threaded connection.

The other end of the housing is closed by a suitable cap, end closure15, which may be also threadedly connected to the housing 11. Also, itwill be understood that the body portion 11 of the housing can be madeeither as a single unit and/or a plurality of connected sections.

In the illustrated form of the invention, the body portion 11 of thehousing comprises a single tubular member to which the stator tip 12 isdetachably connected by means of screw threads. Also, the end closure 15is detachably connected to the body portion 11 of the housing by asuitable thread connection.

Disposed within the stator tip 12 is a cutting means 16 and anassociated motor means 17 for effecting the drive thereof. As best seenin FIG. 3, the cutter means 16 comprises an annular base or mountingring 18 having a connected hub 19 by which the cutting means 16 isconnected to the rotating shaft or spindle 20 of the motor 17. Connectedto the rin 18 of the cutter 16 in circumferentially spaced relationshipthereabout are a plurality of cutting blades 21, each being shaped toconform closely to the inner surface of the stator tip 12. Thearrangement is such that the cutting blades 21 are rotatably journalledwithin the stator tip end 12.

In operation, the hairs projecting through the hair inlet openings 14 ofthe stator tip 12 will be sheared by the cutter blades 21 as the cuttinghead 16 is rotated when the shaver is placed in operation.

The means for energizing the motor 17 comprises a battery 22 seriallyconnected in a circuit with the motor 17 to render the shaver operableon DC current when the switch 23 is closed. To provide the shaveroperable on AC current, e.g. the 110 volt system normally found in ahousehold, a plug 24, to connect the shaver to a household outlet, isoperatively connected to the end closure 15 of the shaver. Connected incircuit with the battery 22 and motor 1'7 to render the shaver operativeon AC current is a resisfor 25 and a rectifier 26. As shown, theresistor 25 and rec tifier 26 are connected in series with the battery22. Accordingly, the switch 23 is disposed between a motor ter- At minal27 and the battery terminal 28. The other terminal 29 of the battery isconnected in series to the motor 17. Accordingly, it will be noted thatwhenever the switch 23 is closed, the battery and/or the line currenteffects the operation of the shaver depending on which source of powerthe motor is operatively connected to.

Because illumination within body cavities, as for example in thenostrils of ones nose or the outer ear canal is limited, means areprovided whereby such cavities may be illuminated when the shaverdescribed is being utilize therein to remove the unwanted hairs. Inaccordance with this invention, a means for effecting illumination ofthe area in which the shaver is operating is provided. The means foreffecting such illumination comprises one or more light bulbs 33disposed within the housing 11 of the shaver. In the illustrated form ofthe invention two such light bulbs 3%) are illustrated. Each lightsource 3t.- is connected in parallel with respect to one another, and inseries with the motor means 17 and switch 23 controlling the same.Accordingly, it will be noted that each time the switch 23 is closed orthe shaver laced in operation, the light bulbs 36* are also energized.The light bulbs are disposed so that the light rays project out throughthe tip end of opening 13 formed in the tip end of the stator 12. Inthis manner, a ray or beam of light is projected out through the tip endof the stator to effect the necessary illumination in and around thebody cavity.

With the shaver described, it becomes readily apparent that the stator12 may be easily inserted into a cavity of ones body and thereby effectremoval of ones hairs in a manner which will prohibit any injury orcutting of the membranes lining such cavity. Consequently, the unwantedhair in and around a body cavity can be safely, simply, andexpeditiously removed. Also, the illumination afforded permitssufficient light to be projected onto the area where light is otherwisenormally obscured. Accordingly, the shaver 10 described effects thecutting of the unwanted hairs very close to the membrane therebyproviding a severing of the hair close to the root end thereof.Consequently, the frequency with which a hair removing operation fromsuch cavities is required can be substantially extended.

FIGURES 4 and 5 illustrate a modified form of the invention. In thisform of the invention, the shaver 40 is provided with a tip endconstruction which renders it particularly adapted for use as a hairtrimmer, rendering the same applicable for trimming a mustache, asideburn, and the like. In this form of the invention, the shavercomprises a housing or body 41 having connected to one end thereof astator 42 which is polygonal in cross-section. In the illustrated formof the invention, the sides of the stator 42 define a triangle and eachside is formed with a plurality of hair inlet perforations 43 formed inthe surface thereof. The ends of the stator tip are open. In this formof the invention, the cutting means includes a complementary triangularshaped cutter 44 which is mounted within the stator for relativereciprocal movement with respect thereto. The cutter 44 also is providedwith holes 45 which move in and out of alignment with the stator holes.As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the means for effecting reciprocating ofthe cutter 44 with respect to its stator 42 comprises a motor means 46which has connected to the spindle 47 thereof a cam drum.

As shown, the cam drum 43 comprises a cup shaped member which is fixedto the end of the motor shaft 47. The internal surface of the cam drum48 is provided with an endless groove 49 which is inclined at an anglewith respect to the axis of the shaft or spindle 47.

The cutter 44 is connected to an actuating rod 50 which has a camfollower 51 formed on the end thereof. Accordingly, the cam follower 51is arranged to ride in the cam groove .9 of the cam drum 43. It will bethus noted that whenever the motor means 46 is energized, the rotationof the cam drum 48 causes the cam follower 51 riding in the groove 49thereof, to transmit a reciprocating movement to the cutter 44 connectedto the end of the actuating rod 50. The resulting reciprocating movementof the cutter 44 relative to the stator 42 effects the shearing orcutting action on any hair projecting through the inlet openings 43 ofthe stator 42 and the holes 45 of the cutter 44. The motor means ofFIGS. 4 and 5 and its operating circuit is similar to that hereinbeforedescribed with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, and consequently a furtherdescription thereof is not essential to affect an understanding of theapplicants invention.

'With the triangular stator head 42 embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, thearrangement is such that the shaver 40 can be effectively used to effecta trimming operation of a mustache, for example in a manner which wasnot heretofore possible with known shavers.

In the form of the invention in FIGS. 4 and 5, means for illuminationmay also be provided. Accordingly, one or more sockets 52 are disposedWithin the housing to accommodate a light bulb 53. Since the stator 42and associated cutter 44 are open end members, it will be apparent thatthe light rays of the bulbs 53 will project out through the tip end ofthe shaver and the respective holes 43, 45 of the stator and cutterrespectively to illuminate the area of operation.

Accordingly, from the foregoing it will be noted that the instant shaverprovides a relatively simple and inexpensive structure for the removalof unwanted hair from within or adjacent a body cavity in an efficient,safe, and positive manner. Further, shavers are extremely simply to use,absolutely safe, and can be readily operated by a person to remove hisor her own body cavity hairs. Also, means are provided whereby the bodycavity in which the respective shavers are operated can be readilyilluminated to render the shaving or cutting operation more effective.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to aparticular embodiment thereof, it will be readily appreciated andunderstood that variations and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An electric shaver for shaving the hairs in or about a body cavitycomprising:

(a) an elongated tubular housing,

(b) a conically shaped stator connected to one end of said housing,

(c) said stator having a series of perforations formed over the surfacethereof to define hair inlets and an illuminating opening formed in theapex end of said stator,

(d) an electric motor disposed within said casing,

(e) said motor including a spindle connected to said motor,

(f) a cutter means connected to the end of said spindle,

(g) said cutter means including a mounting ring,

(h) a hub connected centrally of said ring whereby said ring is securedto the end of said spindle,

(i) a plurality of cutter blades connected to said ring and extendingupwardly therefrom,

(j) said blades being cireumferentially spaced about said ring andshaped to rotate in close proximity to the internal surface of saidstator,

(k) and means for illuminating the area in which said shaver isoperating,

(1) said illuminating means including a light source disposed withinsaid housing between said mounting ring and said motor,

(in) and a power source for said motor and illuminating means,

(n) said power source including a source of direct current and meansconnected in circuit therewith for alternate operation with a source ofalternating current,

(0) said power source including a battery connected in series with saidmotor.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,224,342 12/ 1940 Forster 30--34X 2,243,441 5/1941 Russell 3043.4 2,369,821 2/1945 Eclov 30-41.52,867,039 1/1959 Zach 3034 3,079,510 2/ 1963 Hartwig 3034 X 3,290,48412/1966 Day 3202 X FOREIGN PATENTS 38,036 10/ 1927 Denmark. 1,226,681 2/1960 France. 1,235,911 6/1960 France. 1,085,792 7/1960 Germany.1,122,869 1/ 1962 Germany.

MYRON C. KRUSE, Primary Examiner.

